2026 WorldFive Thai Players, Three Officials To Face Disciplinary Proceedings - ISTAF
KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Disciplinary Committee of the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) has determined that there are sufficient grounds to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the Thailand team following an incident during the team event final of the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 in May.
ISTAF Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Kader said the proceedings involve five players from Thailand’s third regu who allegedly refused to continue the match against Malaysia, as well as two coaches and one team manager who allegedly instructed, supported or failed to prevent the action.
The decision was reached during an online meeting yesterday after the committee reviewed official reports from match officials, a complaint lodged by the Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (PSM), video recordings and representations submitted by the Thailand Sepak Takraw Association (TAT).
“The Disciplinary Committee is of the view that this matter must be addressed firmly and fairly in order to safeguard the integrity, discipline and future of sepak takraw at the international level.
“Particularly in ensuring that the sport continues to be contested at major events such as the Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and the Doha 2030 Asian Games,” he said in a statement today.
He said formal charge letters would be issued no later than today, with all eight individuals involved given 14 days to submit written responses to the charges brought against them.
Following that period, the Disciplinary Committee will proceed with hearings and make its decision based on the evidence and submissions presented in accordance with the ISTAF Constitution and Regulations.
Meanwhile, the Disciplinary Committee decided to issue a stern warning to seven Thailand players from the first and second regus who were also present in the court area during the incident and were found to have engaged in actions that could be deemed provocative.
They are also required to sign a commitment to respect the decisions of match officials; comply with the ISTAF Constitution and Regulations; refrain from actions that could disrupt competitions; and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play in all international tournaments.
“In addition, the Thailand Sepak Takraw Association (TAT) will be requested to issue a public apology to the international sepak takraw community and spectators for the incident, which clearly did not reflect the spirit of sportsmanship that forms the foundation of this sport,” he said.
The team event final of the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 on May 23 was marred by controversy after Thailand withdrew in protest against a referee’s decision, with Malaysia subsequently declared the winner by a 2-1 margin.
-- BERNAMA
